Thread-advancing reel



Dec. 25, 351 Q A CASTELLAN 2,579,548

THREAD-ADVANCING REEL INVENToR. CARL A. CASTELL AN MRM Dec. 25, 1951 c.A. cAsTELLAN THREAD-ADVANCING REEL 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 7, 1947R. m PVL W.

C24/9L CTELLN BY Dec. 25, 1951 c. A. cAs'rELLAN 2,579,548

THREAD ADVAN C ING REEL f mi T Ja'f e 1 L I! INVENTOR. CA RL A. CATELL/4N Patented Dec. 25, 1951 THREAD-ADVANCING REEL Carl A. Castellan,Media, Pa., assignor to American Viscose Corporation, Wilmington, Del..a

corporation of Delaware Application October 7, 1947, Serial No. 77 8,385In Great Britain December 19, 1946 (ci. :ca -11.7)

Claims.

This invention relates to thread-conveying devices and more particularlyto thread-advancing reels which may be used for the production of a yarnstore in the form of a helix which is continuously advanced axially ofthe periphery of the reel for various purposes. One such purpose may bemerely to change the direction of travel of the yarn. Another purposemay be to support the yarn in a plurality of convolutions which may besubjected to fluid treatment as it passes through a helix on thethread-advancing reel. The present application is a continuation-in-partof my copending application Serial No. 638,266, filed December 29, 1945,now Patent 2,446,525.

` The present invention provides a distinctly novel type ofthread-conveying device or threadadvancing reel of essentially simpleconstruction and involving the utilization of centrifugal force forimparting relative motion between threadsupporting elements foreffecting advance of the thread carried by the device. The constructionof the present device or reel is of such a character that the bearingsand driving mechanism may be readily protected by a relatively simpleand inexpensive form of sealing diaphragm or membrane. The device orreel of the present invention may be either of cantilever or double-endsupported construction. In one form the thread-conveying device operatesto advance the thread axially thereof at one speed of rotation but atanother speed, no axial advance occurs. Other advantageouscharacteristics of the device will be apparent from the drawing and thedescription thereof hereinafter.

In the drawing, which is illustrative of the invention,

. Figure 1 is a transverse cross-section of one embodiment of theinvention.

Figure 2 is a section on line II-II of Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a transverse cross-section of a modiflcation,

Figure 4 is a section on line IV-IV of Figure 3, and

Figure 5 is a part of a section of another modiflcation similar to thesection of Figure 3.

In general, the devices or reels of the present invention comprise twosets of thread-carrying elements or bars interdigitating with each otherand l,serving to carry the thread roughly in the form of a helix. Thetwo sets of bars rotate aboutaxes which are displaced from one anotherorv offset, preferably with their axis of rotation parallel, though acertain amount of deviation from a strict parallel relationship may bepermitted, and means is provided for moving the helix of thread relativethereto endwise of the reel. This means may involve actuating certain ofthe thread-carrying elements by centrifugal force developed duringrotation of the reel. This means may advantageously comprise either ofthe first two sets of bars or a third set of threadcarrying bars orelements which are actuated during rotation of the device in such amanner as to protrude from the bars of the other set or sets at acertain portion of the cycle of revolution of the device. During suchprotrusion, these bars carry the thread and their motion comprises acomponent directed toward one end of the device so as to advance thethread carried thereby endwise of the device, thereby operating as athreadadvancing reel. Thus, the bars projected outwardly by centrifugalforce serve to carry the thread that they take from the other bars end-Mwise of the device to an axially displaced position from which thethread is returned to the other bars.

In the embodiment of Figures l and 2, the device constitutes a reelmounted for rotation about a xed shaft 2 and comprises two sets ofthread-carrying elements or bars 3 and 5, respectively, the bars of eachset, as shown, having thread-conveying peripheral surfaces ofapproximately the same length, axially of the reel. One set ofthread-carrying bars 3 is in the form of a cylindrical cage closed atone end by the plate 6. This cage of bars, which may be termed. theconcentric cage, has a flange 'I extending outwardly from the peripheryof the end of the bars away from the plate Ii. The cage is secured to aweb or plate 8 by means of cap screws 9. The hub In is secured to thedriving spindle I I by means of a nut I2. A bushing I3 is providedbetween the spindle II and the fixed shaft 2 and is so constructed thatthe bars 3 are concentric with and rotate about the axis of shaft 2. Abushing I4 spaces the end of spindle I I from a cam I5 keyed to theshaft 2 at I6. The cam surface I5 may be t of special shape or it maysimply be an eccentric cylindrical surface on the inside face of anaxially projecting flange on the rim of cam I5.

The bars of the other set are secured to rigid supporting elements I'Iwhich extend downwardly therefrom and are urged against bearing elementsI8 and I9 which are spaced axially from each other and are carriedrotatably upon a central bushing 20 xedly secured to the shaft 2 bymeans of' nut 2|, cup-shaped washer 22 and key 22a. The bearing surfacesof the central sleeve 20 which carry the bearing members I8 and I9 areeccentric with respect to the axis of shaft 2 and are designated bynumerals 23 and 24, respectively. The axis or axes of revolution ofthese bearing surfaces 23 and 24 are displaced from the axis of shaft 2.preferably so that they are parallel to the axis of shaft 2, but in adifferent direction from such axis than the center of the cam surface I'of cam I5. A small deviation from the parallel may be permissible, butis not desired. Also, the axis of the surface 24 may be coincidentalwith the axis of surface 23 or it may be displaced further from the axisof shaft 2 than the axis of surface 23, though in the same direction.The location of these centers are as follows: shaft 2 at A, cam surfaceI5 at B, bearing 23 at C and bearing 24 at C or D. (See Figure 2.)

The bearing member I8 may be provided with an arcuate groove comprisinga plurality of seats 25 for receiving the complementarily formed convexfoot portion I1a of the supporting elements I1. An annular plate 26 hasa plurality of radially extending, axially projecting lugs 21. Theradial portion of the supporting elements I1 work slidably within theguideways formed between adjacent lugs 21 thereby limiting angularmovement of the bars 5 relative to the bearings I8 and I9. Gartersprings 28 and 29, respectively, hold the bases or feet of thesupporting elements I1 in contact with the bearing members I8 and I9,respectively. The spring 29 exerts predetermined inward force upon theends I1b of the supporting elements I1 so that when the speed ofrotation of the reel exceeds a predetermined limit, the centrifugalforce causes bars 5 to pivot about the centers of seats 25 in oppositionto spring 29 untilv the ends I1b engage the cam surface I5'.

.Thus the cam surface I5' controls the rocking or pivoting motion ofbars 5. The bars 5 may be weighted with inserts 5' of denser materials,such as lead, to increase the effectiveness of centrifugal force inswinging the weighted ends of the bars.

In order to prevent striking of the bars of each set against "those ofthe other, the bars 5 are provided with endwise projecting pins 30extending into recesses 3| in the flange 1 carrying the bars 3. Recesses3I are formed with sufficient play to allow for the eccentricity andother rela tive movement which are required of the pins carried by thebars as a result of the actuation of the bars during rotation of thereel.

The bearings and driving mechanisms may be protected from processingliquids or gas when it is desired to subject the threads on the reel tosuch by means of a flexible sealing membrane, such as of rubber,synthetic rubber or the like. Thus, the membrane designated 34 isgenerally of cup-shape and has its outer periphery clamped between theflange 1 and the plate 8 by means of cap screws 9. This seal is providedwith openings 38 through which bossed portions of the bars 5 extend tobe secured to supporting elements I1 by means of cap screws 39. Thesecurement at this position is such as to make a tig! seal. Thismembrane 3l is entirely enclosed at its outer end and forms a tighthousing about the driving parts and bearings, while permitting relativemovement of the bars 5.

In operation, assuming the reel to be rotating in a clockwise directionas viewed in Figure 2, at

a speed in excess of that at which centrifugal` both sets of bars 3 and5 approximately throughout the fixed arcs Z and Z'. As the turns of thehelix leave the fixed arc X they are transferred to bars 5 in arc Z andare entirely carried by the bars, 5 in arc Y. Bars 5 are so actuated asto displace the turns endwise of the reel. Preferably, at about themaximum of their displacement, the turns are transferred from bars 5 inarc Z and are returned therein to bars 3.

This operation is accomplished by virtue of the fact that duringrotation of the reel, the two sets of bars 3 and 5 alternately recedeand protrude with respect to the adjacent bars of the other set withwhich they interdigitate. Bars 3 protrude along arc X and bars 5protrude along are Y, each set of bars 3 and 5 carrying the thread turnsthrough an arc somewhat less than 180 independently of the other set.This effect is accomplished by virtue of the fact that the centers Cand/or D of the bearing surfaces 23 and 2l are displaced eccentricallyfrom the center A in a direction at an angle to the direction ofdisplacement of the center B of the cam surface I5. The angle between aline drawn from A to B and a line drawn from A to D may vary widely andpreferably may be as much as At 90 angle, the arc Y is a maximum.

Because of the shape of cam surface I5', the bars 5 are alternatelyrocked under centrifugal force about the center of curvature of theseats 25 to effect alternate protrusion and recession of the bars 5 withrespect to bars 3. The rocking during the time of the protrusion of suchbars 5 from the bars of the other sets (that is adjacent arc Y) impartsa component of motion to the thread turns carried thereon in thedirection to the left or free end of the reel, as viewed in Figure l.

When the reel is driven at speeds below the critical limit at whichcentrifugal force actuates the bars 5, it operates as a simple godet orrotor without advancing the turns of the thread axially of the reel. A

Figures 3 and 4 show an embodiment comprising three sets of bars havingthread-conveying peripheral surfaces of approximately the same length,axially of the reel, two of which 3a and 4a are mounted for rotationabout displaced axes. preferably parallel to one another, but the thirdset of bars 5a is carried by one of the first two sets, and means isprovided for actuating the third set of bars to effect alternateprotrusion and recession thereof with respect to the other two sets ofbars. In this embodiment, a shaft 40, adapted to be driven by gear 4Iwithin a fixed bearing 42, carries a concentric reel member Il keyed tothe shaft at M. The nut 45 and spacing bushing 45'a serve to preventaxial displacement of the concentric rigid reel member 43. A sealinggasket .I6 may be provided. The member 43 has an outer generallycylindrical portion 43u grooved axially or endwise of the reel at l5,

thereby leaving the intermediate peripherally spaced parallel reel bars3a integrally formed onv and projecting radially outwardly from the reelmember 43. The second set of bars 4a may be formed as the peripheralelements of a rigid cage-like member 45a comprising the flange 41v larlyin Figure 4 where the axis ofbearing 5i is designated E and the axis ofthe shaft is designated F.

The third set of bars 5a are secured at one end to the cage-like reelmember a by means of cap screws 53. Each of the bars 5a comprises arelatively heavy rigid thread-carrying portion extending longitudinallyor axially of the reel and a radially inwardly extending flexibleportion 5a' connecting the rigid portion to the point of securement tothe cage 45a. While the position of securement is shown near the innerperiphery of bars 4a, this position may be much nearer to, or even rightat, the center of the reel or the center of plate 46a, thereby allowinggreater flexing length to the supporting portion 5a' and increasing theaxial component of the arc through which the bar 5a is swung. Astationary cam 54 having an internal cam surface 55 is secured by a key56' to the boss 52 of the fixed bearing 42. The cam surface 55 isconstructed to form a controlled path for guiding the bars 5a. Forexample, in its simplest form, it may be a cylindrical surface having acenter disposed at G in Figure 4, In this embodiment, the bars 5anormaly take a position parallel to the axis of the reel and are flexedunder the action of centrifugal force into engagement with the camsurface 55. The cam surface 55 alternately allows protrusion and forcesrecession of the bars 5a with respect to the peripheries of the sets ofbars 3a and 4a. In this arrangement, the device would act as a simplegodet or delivery wheel or drum until a critical speed is attained(which would depend upon the characteristics, particularly the size, ofthe yarn being handled), when centrifugal force is sufficient to causethe bars 5a to protrude from the periphery of the reel otherwise definedby the other sets of bars.

The bearings and drivingmechanism may be protected yby a simple annularseal 56 of flexible material having its inner periphery secured to theouter cylindrical portion 43a of the concentric reel member by means ofa ring 51 and with its outer periphery clamped between flanges 41 and 48by means of cap screws 49. Thus each of the bars 5a extends through anaperture in membrane 56' with which it makes a tight sealing engagement.

Rotation of the reel by driving of gear 4l causes alternate protrusionand recession of bars 3a and 4a with respect to each other. In addition,during such rotation, bars 5a are caused to protrude by centrifugalforce under the control of the cam surface 55, such protrusion occurringalong the fixed arc designated Z in Figure 4. The springing of the bars5a to effect such protrusion imparts a component of motion to thethreads carried thereby in a direction endwise of the reel and when thebars have attained approximately their maximum deflection, the threadsare picked up by bars 3a and subsequently by the bars 4a.

Figure 5 illustrates a modification in which the construction of thereel is substantially the same as in Figures 3 and 4 except for thethird set of bars 5a which, instead of being mounted upon the reel cage45a, are carried by a spider 5B having a hub 59 secured to the shaft 40for rotation therewith by means of the nut 45 which also clamps theconcentric reel member 43. The individual flexible and resilient arms5a' connecting the hub 59 with the bars 5a gives a greater length ofmaterial to be nexed so that a longer flexing life can be expected ofthe reel system. Also, by flexing from the hub 59, the arc of swingingof bars 5a has the maximum possible axial component.

- The various parts of the reel may be made of various materials.depending upon the conditions of use of the reel. For example, if thereel is to be subjected to corrosive liquids the parts of the reelexposed to such liquids and not protected by the flexible sealing means,are made of a material capable of resisting the attack of suchprocessing fluids. Examples of such compositions are stainless steel,Hastelloy, other special metallic alloys; phenol-aldehyde resinproducts, such as Bakelite, Durez; or even of non-resistant metalscovered by a protective material, such as rubber, Heresite, vinylresins, such as polymers of vinyl chloride and also copolymers thereof.The flexible arms carrying bars 5a in the embodiment of Figures 3 to 6may advantageously be formed of a fabric-reinforced phenolaldehyde resinor of a coated metal, thereby obtaining in each case a flexible andresilient mounting.

The reel of the present invention is of simple and inexpensiveconstruction and can readily be sealed against attack of its bearingsand driving connections by processing fluids that may be applied to thethread carried by the reel.

It is to be understood that changes and variations may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in theappended claims.

I claim:

1. A thread-handling device adaptedito convey thread carried inconvolutions thereabout comprising a plurality of interdigitating setsof longitudinally extending bars forming the periphery of the reel,means for rotating the reel about its axis, the bars of at least one setbeing relatively movable by centrifugal force developed during rotationof the reel between recessed and protruding positions relative to otherbars adjacent thereto to effect transfer of the thread in sequentialorder to the bars of the several sets, and a camfor controlling therelative movement to effect advance of the thread axially of the reel,said cam having, as its sole effective cam surface, an inwardly facingcam surface for limiting the outward movement of the movable bars causedby centrifugal force.

2. A thread-handling device adapted to convey thread carried inconvolutions thereabout comprising a plurality of interdigitating setsof longitudinally extending bars forming the pe,- riphery of the reel,means for rotating the reel about its axis, the bars of at least one setbeing relatively movable by centrifugal force developed during rotationof the reel between recessed and protruding positions relative to otherbars adjacent thereto to effect transfer of the thread in sequentialorder to the bars of the several sets, resilient means urging themovable bars to one of said positions, in opposition to centrifugalforce, and a cam for controlling the protrusion of the movable bars toeffect advance of the thread axially of the reel, said cam having, asits sole effective cam surface, an inwardly facing cam surface forlimiting the outward movement of the movable bars caused by centrifugalforce.

3. A thread-handling device adapted to convey thread carried inconvolutions thereabout comprising a plurality of interdigitating setsof longitudinally extending bars forming the periphery of the reel,means for rotating the reel about its axis, the bars of at least one setbeing relatively movable by centrifugal force developed during rotationof the reel from recessed to protruding positions relative to other barsadjacent thereto to effect transfer of the thread in sequential order tothe bars of the several sets, resilient means urging the movable bars tothe recessed position, and a cam for controlling the protrusion of themovable bars under the influence of centrifugal force to effect advanceof the thread axially of the reel. said cam having. as its sole leffective cam surface, an inwardly facing cam surface for limiting theoutward movement of the movable bars caused by centrifugal force.

4. vA device in accordance with claim 3 in which the movable set of barsis mounted for rotation upon an axis displaced from that of another setof bars.

5. A device in accordance with claim 3 in which the movable set of barsis mounted for rotation upon an axis displaced from, and parallel to,that of another set of bars.

6. A thread-handling device adapted to convey thread carried inconvolutions thereabout comprising a plurality of interdigitating setsof longitudinally extending bars forming the periphery of the reel,means for rotating the reel about its axis, the bars of at least one setbeing relatively movable by centrifugal force developedduring rotationof the reel from recessed to protruding positions relative to other barsadjacent thereto to effect transfer of the thread in sequential order tothe bars of the several sets, resilient supporting means for the movablebars normally tending to retain the movable bars in recessed position,and cam means for controlling the protrusion of the movable bars toeffect advance of the thread axially of the reel.

7. A device in accordance with claim 6 in which the movable set of barsis mounted for rotation upon an axis displaced from, and parallel to,that of another set of bars.

8. A thread-handling device adapted to convey thread carried inconvolutions thereabout comprising a set of longitudinally extendingbars rtatable about an axis, a second set of bars interdigitating withthose of the first set mounted for rotation about an axis displaced fromthe axis 8 of rotation of the first set, and means interdigitating withthe two sets of bars and movable by centrifugal force developed duringrotation o! the device for moving the thread relative tothe two sets ofbars in a direction comprising a component parallel to the axis of thedevice.

9. A thread-handling deviceadapted to convey thread carried inconvolutions thereabout comprising a set of longitudinally extendingbars\ rotatable about an axis. a second set of bars interdigitating withthose of the ilrst set mounted for rotation about an axis displaced fromthe axis of rotation of the first set. means interdigitating with thetwo sets of bars and movable by centrifugal force developed duringrotation of the device for moving the thread relative to the two sets ofbars in a direction comprising a component parallel to the axis of thedevice, and controlling means for effecting alternate engagement anddisengagement of the moving means with the thread during rotation of thedevice.

10. A thread-advancing reel comprising three sets of interdigitatingbars forming a generally cylindrical thread-carrying periphery, at leastone set of the bar members being mounted for rotation about an axiseccentric to the axis of rotation of at least one other set of bars,resilient Supporting means for a third set of bars, whereby centrifugalforce imparts motion to the third set of bars comprising a, radial andaxial component relative to the bars of the other sets, and a camsurface engaged by the bars of the third set for limiting the motionimparted by the centrifugal force.

CARL A. CASTELLAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,167,681 Samerdyke Aug. 1, 19392,173,002 Jordan et al Sept. 12, 1939 2,386,249 McDermott Oct. 9, 19452,431,712 Stanley Dec. 2. 1947

